Wrench help

[repettit]

I am not a mechanic and the son in law wants wrenches for Christmas. He needs to work on the headers of a 1997 Chevy truck with a 5.7 350 engine. its a 1500 with extended cab. The truck is lifted and who knows what other mods are in place? He said it needs to be thin to get the bleeping thing in place. Would a set of S shaped or half moon wrenches work. I assume standard measurement, but.....

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ryan20021982]

Depends on how thin they need to be, the obstruction wrenches arent any thinner than normal usually, he might need specific thin wrenches or tappet wrenches if he can't get a normal one in there.

If this is more of a 1 time use thing sears has a set of tappet wrenches cheap
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-standard-tappet-wrench-set/p-00947415000P?lang=en&sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[WWheeler]

350 Headers shouldn't need anything all too special. It sounds like a job I'd got at with 1/2 dr standard and deep sockets, extensions, a wobble-end extension and/or swivel might be needed, a 1/2" ratchet and breaker bar, a few combination wrenches, and a can of penetrant. Those are all things I'd imagine most guys with a lifted modded truck would already have.

I'm not sure what he meant by 'it needs to be thin' though. For that it would help to know more about what it is that he's run into.

You might want to find out exactly what set(s) of wrenches your SIL is angling for so you wind up getting what it is he needs. Perhaps your daughter can help in that regard so as to still preserve a christmas surprise.

 

[four.cycle]

don't know if this is any help, but there's a set of "Tekton" wrenches that were just listed on Ebay cheap. set is essentially new, but apparently missing the 3/8" wrench:

TEKTON 13-pc SAE angle open-end wrench set w/pouch
7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, 1-1/8, 1-1/4 in.
listed as used. looks brand new.
$30.00 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TEKTON-2008...048868?hash=item2826a524a4:g:QVoAAOSw4GVYUs7i

but.... later Chev would be metric, no?

I seem to recall guys putting headers on usually ended up using a wobbly and an extension - fortunately not something I've had to deal with myself except on an Opel (or maybe that was less fortunate.)

 

[Roberts210]

Good for you for trying to help out your S.I.L. Sounds like you have a nice family.

 

[Infinia]

After market 350 header bolts are usually 7/16 , this is a very small socket, so 3/8 ratchet wrench and long box end to break it. maybe a flex head ratcheting combo as well.
Lowes has this nice compact set. This set will be handy for years what ever the final outcome https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-19-Piece-Standard-Sae-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-Hard/50200803
and Harbor Freight for a 3/8 Pittsburgh Pro long flex head for another $20-25. This great add-on to any tool set , for hard to reach places.

These two should get 70% fasteners, add 5/8 spark plug socket and locking 3/8 extensions for extra credit.

 

[Schurkey]

Buy him a Visa gift card. He'll get the wrenches he wants.

 

[Infinia]

Buy him a Visa gift card. He'll get the wrenches he wants.

yeah good advice, but will he will think about the gift giver every time when using the new tools?

 

[ajchien]

Buy him a Visa gift card. He'll get the wrenches he wants.

+2.

You won't get it right if you're guessing what he wants and needs. Either you directly ask him exactly what and where from to get the wrenches, or you get him a gift card.

Every time someone thought I was a tool guy so getting me tools would be a good thing .... even though the tool(s) are never used, it was the thought that counted.

 

[Derek420]

If you got a Meijers store near you they sell Tekton cheaper than Amazon and are an awesome company and sell a good product they had a bogo on tekton tools on black Friday and might have a sale for Christmas... They warranty without hassle and quickly all you gotta do is go to website send a message and they get right back to you and ask for a pic then send replacement right out. Also Toptul is very popular around here as well and is a good tool for good price brand but I don't own any yet.... HF is also a decent choice for a beginner or budget concise individual and will work just fine or my favorite gearwrench. I've had same type of Chevy and the normal chrome sae combo wreches will do, he must just want the thin chrome wrenches as aposed to raised panel like craftsman and all I mentioned will work fine and are thin. Also another good choice and I'd say would be perfect and cheap but look great are the craftsman Evolv line which I have the sae and metric and have had no issues and are very thin and great chrome and fit.

 

[Derek420]

Go with Craftsman Evolv set = perfect for SIL and truck.